Vietnam War Facts: 6 Things You Need to Know about the War
The Vietnam War (sometimes called the Second Indochina War) was one of the deadliest and costliest wars ever fought in modern history. And although the war, which lasted for close...
The Vietnam War was a protracted conflict from 1955 to 1975 between North Vietnam (and its allies) and South Vietnam (supported by the U.S. and other anti-communist countries).
There is no doubt whatsoever that the Vietnam War remains a topic of significant interest and debate. It is for this reason our historians at World History Edu have compiled some frequently asked questions about the conflict:
The U.S. sought to prevent the spread of communism in Southeast Asia, following the “domino theory” that if one country fell to communism, neighboring countries might follow.
In 1968, the Viet Cong and North Vietnamese forces launched a series of surprise attacks during the Tet holiday, which had significant political and psychological impacts.
The war concluded with the Fall of Saigon in 1975 when North Vietnamese forces captured the capital of South Vietnam, leading to the country’s reunification under communist control.
Approximately 58,000 U.S. service members died during the conflict.
Agent Orange was a herbicide and defoliant used by the U.S. military to eliminate forest cover and crops. Its use led to significant health issues for those exposed.
The Viet Cong were communist guerrilla fighters allied with North Vietnam, operating primarily in South Vietnam.
It was a vital supply route for the North, running through Laos and Cambodia, used to transport troops, supplies, and equipment to the Viet Cong in the South.
The Vietnam War was highly controversial, leading to widespread protests and divisions within the U.S.
In 1964, two reported attacks on U.S. Navy ships by North Vietnamese naval vessels led to the U.S. Congress passing the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution, granting President Johnson authority to escalate U.S. involvement.
Signed in 1973, these accords intended to establish peace in Vietnam and end the war. They called for a ceasefire and U.S. troop withdrawal.
The war caused immense devastation to Vietnam, both in terms of casualties (estimated in the millions) and destruction. It also left long-term environmental and health issues.
The Vietnam War (sometimes called the Second Indochina War) was one of the deadliest and costliest wars ever fought in modern history. And although the war, which lasted for close...